1 Peter 4:7-11
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Why do we pray? Because the world as we know it is fading away, and God’s kingdom is coming with Him to reign forever among us, and the time is short until then. How do we pray? Soberly with a right mind toward these things as we constantly watch with understanding of the world, the judgement, and the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ who is the absolute Lord of the universe and the only hope of the world. As we pray, it is essential to love each other beyond necessity, knowing that such care covers our trespasses against each other as His love covers ours. This also means we show care by meeting needs without complaining, but using the gifts given to give. We minister what God put in our trust, and speak the words He gives by wisdom and grace by His Spirit living in us if we are truly His (Romans 8:9). Our call in Christ is to minister to each other as we make disciples and teach them all things. When we speak to teach or preach or even as a word of wisdom, it is God’s sayings that come out of our mouths as we yield to Him. All we do to serve then must be seen as fueled by God in us according to His word, and with His ability driving what seems to be our own. Why? All we do must absolutely be for God’s glory through Christ in and for us, for He alone deserves all glory, honor, and praise (1 Peter 1:7)! He rules as King over all (1 Chronicles 29:11-12), so it is and shall ever be
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